At last night’s dinner celebrating Balmain‘s newfound interest in social media, Olivier Rousteing was gushing about his date to the Met Ball. “She could wear a white t-shirt, and I would be so proud,” he said of Joan Smalls. The model’s topped fashion’s favorites list for almost two years now and is the best arm candy a guy could ask for, but she won’t wear a white t-shirt (even though she could pull it off). She hasn’t, however, picked a dress. “We will know Monday!”

Rousteing didn’t invite Smalls solely because she’ll look perfect in anything, but because he actually really likes talking to the model. Turns out she’s as smart and interesting as she is beautiful—and those things matter when you’re sitting next to someone at a four hour dinner. As for the designer himself—Rousteing might be the most charming, genuine and downright bubbly designer we’ve ever met—he says he will wear a “bow.” He hasn’t worn one since childhood, but figures his first Met Ball demands something special.